President Benigno Aquino III on Wednesday revealed that the Abu Sayyaf had plotted to kidnap his sister, television host Kris Aquino, and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao, as he vowed to leave “no stone unturned” in the government’s intensive operations against the terrorist group.

In a statement sent to the media, Aquino said the Abu Sayyaf planned such attempts as part of their efforts to catch the attention of the international terrorist group Islamic State or ISIS.

“As part of their effort to gain favor with ISIS, one of the ASG leaders, Isnilon Hapilon, through his cohorts in prison, has tried to convert other prisoners in New Bilibid Prison to their cause and establish ties with remnants of the Rajah Sulayman Movement purportedly in an attempt to embark on a bombing campaign in Metro Manila,” Aquino said. “They allegedly even hatched plots to kidnap Manny Pacquiao or one of his children, as well as my sister Kris or one of her children, with the plan to use them in bargaining for the release of their cohorts. Threats against my own life have been investigated,” he added.

Nevertheless, Aquino assured that “the public may rest assured that they may go about their daily lives without fear or unease.”

“However, we want to continue to seriously erode any ability of the ASG to continue to function. This is the reason we are conducting continuing operations in Basilan versus Isnilon Hapilon and his sub-leader Furuji Indama,” he said.

Following his successful win over Timothy Bradley April 10, Pacquiao has been busy on the campaign trail. He will visit Nueva Ecija on Friday before moving to Rizal Province and Bataan this coming weekend.

Based on the latest SWS and Pulse Asia surveys, Pacquiao is in third spot in the senatorial race behind ncumbent senators Franklin Drilon and Tito Sotto.

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